How do personal constructs affect behavior according to Kelly?

According to Kelly's Personal Construct Theory, personal constructs serve as cognitive filters through which individuals interpret and respond to their experiences. These constructs are mental templates shaped by past experiences, values, and beliefs, and they play a critical role in guiding behavior. When faced with a new situation, individuals rely on their personal constructs to predict outcomes and decide how to act, allowing them to navigate their environments effectively.

This process highlights the dynamic nature of personal constructs; they are not static but can change and evolve based on new experiences and insights. Kelly emphasized that understanding these constructs can help individuals gain insight into their decision-making patterns and behavioral responses. Thus, personal constructs are foundational to understanding how people interpret their world and interact with it, making them essential in shaping behaviors rather than being unrelated or fixed.